Hi once again to all Bonsai artists . These are 4 of the original 7 Chop Top Maples i started in winter of 2008 . Originally grown as landscape tree for 4-5 years , after a borer infestation i decided to turn them into Bonsai . With all but the 1 with the stakes and wire they were void of all shoots and branches . I staked and wired the stump that had the branch left for use as a central leader .Wire was only used on the leaders and branches during 2 months of the growing season,pegs were used the hold the branches and shoots during development . These Trainers have had seperate methods used to show the difference between 6 total leaf defoliations over the past few months as to the 3 on the lesser developed canopies . Proof that leaf removal done correctly does have its advantages .

Mind you i have only tried 6 leaf removals in the tub not in bonsai pots where growth is much slower, i have done 4 in bonsai pots with no adverse effect on the plant

This pic was taken on the 16-10-2008 after the first shoot reduction and leaf removal . yes the pegs were the main form of training of the branches and shoots . No broken branches or shoots occured except when a hail storm hit hence the marks on the trunks and branches .

I will pot the 2 best specimens into Bonsai pots over Winter and leave the lesser 2 in training for another season . All the trees were the same age from seed , grown in the ground in the same terrace and growing conditions and root pruning prior to potting . The trunk thickness varies from 30mm to 55mm obviously the soil conditions and moisture content was different when in the ground . There is 3 out of the 7 chop tops that have a pale yellow tinge to the leaves which i have not been able to rectify , they have all had the same potting mix , rotating fertilizers and water regeme . All in all a good result .Cheers alpine

These are the pics from 2 of the Maples above , this is their 2nd growing season . The multiple defoliation has continued and each branchlet was continually trimmed to 1 set of leaves improving the overall ramafication .The roots will need a good work over as now they are in their second season so i should have a good selection to improve the Narebri .

Pam wrote:It's interesting to see how the different shaped pots create such a different looking tree.

Hi Pam , it is amazing the extreme differences considering both trees are very similar in stature . At the time i potted them i only had 2 tray's/pots that i could fit the root base into . A repot is in order and a worthy pot or tray will be used for both trees .I have seriously considered making a large group planting with 5-9 other trainers utilizing these 2 and another chop top as the feature trees in the group .Weight would be the deciding factor as to proceed or not .Cheers Alpine

Actually, I think it would be a shame to use these two in a group setting. They both have the potential to make great informal uprights. They've really developed well since the original photos were taken

Hi Taffyman , they have developed very well , the problem with too many trees is i dont appreciate the individual ones ,always wanting to change them .I think i will leave them as is and concentrate on the other lesser trees for a forest .Cheers Alpine